Melissa McCarthy Wants Women To Embrace Their Bodies, Graces Cover Of Redbook

Actress Melissa McCarthy has made a name for herself through her unique brand of physical comedy, but now she is expanding her image by advocating body positivity among women. The funnywoman is the co...
Melissa McCarthy Wants Women To Embrace Their Bodies, Graces Cover Of Redbook
Written by Val Powell
  • Actress Melissa McCarthy has made a name for herself through her unique brand of physical comedy, but now she is expanding her image by advocating body positivity among women.

    The funnywoman is the cover star of Redbook Magazine’s April issue, in which she can be seen rocking a flowy white blouse paired with white skintight pants, textured brown and beige blazer, and an extra-long necklace.

    She is also noticeably sporting a slimmer physique, which can be attributed to the 45-year-old actress’ 75-pound weight drop earlier this year. In her fabulous photoshoot, McCarthy models pieces from her own fashion line called Seven7, which she sells on the Home Shopping Network (HSN).

    In the interview, Melissa McCarthy tackles the age-old issue of body image in society. The plus-size actress, who has always exuded confidence despite the extreme pressure Hollywood puts on women to maintain a certain “skinny” body type, expressed her concern over the beauty standards that young people are exposed to.

    “There’s an epidemic in our country of girls and women feeling bad about themselves based on what .5% of the human race looks like. It starts very young,” McCarthy says. My message is that as long as everybody’s healthy, enjoy and embrace whatever body type you have.”

    The Bridesmaids star has two daughters of her own: Eight-year-old Vivian and six-year-old Georgette, whom she wishes will grow up to be comfortable in their own skin. Like any protective mom, Melissa McCarthy would rather get a black eye from someone than see her daughters hurt by people criticizing the way they look.

    “Give me your best punch in the face, and I’ll take that punch, rather than have my kid feel bad about herself,” she told Redbook.

    Aside from body image issues, Melissa McCarthy also weighed in on the idea of feminism in today’s society. She had some choice words for women who resent the term “feminist” and try to detach themselves from the concept.

    “I always think, ‘Oh that sounds so dumb.’ And I don’t mean that in a hateful way,” she said. “It just sounds so ill-informed. Do you think women should be paid less? You don’t believe in equality for women? I think people have worked hard to put a negative spin on the word.”

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